Several opposition parties in the North West have expressed concerns over the establishment of the proposed provincial Roads Agency, vowing to closely monitor its development to prevent potential financial mismanagement by government officials.
Premier Lazarus Mokgosi recently announced plans to create the agency, aimed at improving the province's road network and driving infrastructure development. Mokgosi emphasized that the new agency would operate similarly to a private sector entity, enabling the recruitment of skilled professionals with competitive salaries and fostering innovation through alternative technologies.
"When we establish the road agency, we will be able to attract the necessary skills by paying what the market dictates, not what public service regulates. This is crucial to achieving high-quality results," Mokgosi stated.
However, opposition figures have raised concerns about the agency's transparency and financial oversight. Justice Dabampe, a representative from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), stressed the importance of preventing the agency from becoming a financial drain. “We will ensure that the road agency does not become another failed project like NTI and Mmabana. We want the agency to employ permanent staff, not rely on outsourcing," Dabampe warned.
Michal Groenewald, from the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), also voiced skepticism, suggesting that the creation of another state agency could potentially benefit "black bureaucracy" in the province rather than the people. “The Premier admits that his government has failed the people of North West, despite numerous promises to the contrary,” Groenewald said.
The debate over the Roads Agency’s potential impact on the province’s development and its financial integrity is expected to continue as opposition parties keep a close watch on its establishment.